0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Try living on benefits!- Going to betting shops, tattoo parlours -
0:00:05 > 0:00:08why should they be allowed to spend their money on that?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11We ain't the scroungers, we just want to do an honest day's work.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16As the country's spending on benefits reaches record levels,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19public opinion has never been more divided
0:00:19 > 0:00:21over Britain's 2.5 million unemployed.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25I struggle real bad.
0:00:25 > 0:00:26They get it for nothing
0:00:26 > 0:00:30and they're not giving anything back for the money that they take.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31So, in this experiment,
0:00:31 > 0:00:35we've brought both sides of the debate together.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Tax payers and claimants.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Last time, we asked the tax payers to decide how much benefit is enough.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Of course, Kelly's going to be comfortable in the benefit system,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45because she's got all this money coming in.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48It's scraping the bottom of the barrel.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51If this wasn't available, what would I feed my kids?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53£3,640.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Do you think that's enough?- Yes.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Now the claimants will get their say on whether getting a job
0:01:00 > 0:01:04is worth it, as they work alongside our tax payers.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06It's like being back at school again.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Will the hard graft be an inspiration?
0:01:09 > 0:01:13She does four, five days straight. That's too much, man.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Cor, that stuff stinks.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Or will they feel the sacrifice is just too much?
0:01:19 > 0:01:22You're saying that work comes before your family and your kids
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- and it's just like... - Nothing comes before my kids.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28If things go wrong, she won't be here tomorrow. No way.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31He's let me down, he's let the clients down, he's let himself down.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34I didn't realise that wages were so low in this country.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37But, Luther, that's the reality of working lives.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51I'm Nick Hewer.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53'And I'm Margaret Mountford.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56'We're back in Ipswich where just under 10% of the population
0:01:56 > 0:01:59'are unemployed, the same as the national average.'
0:02:01 > 0:02:05We've paired four unemployed people with four workers.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08This time, the claimants will get a taste of the daily grind,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12trying out the jobs that our tax payers do, day in, day out.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18This is going to be a challenge for the claimants, isn't it?
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Some of them haven't worked for years.- But are they willing to work?
0:02:21 > 0:02:23I truly believe that some of them
0:02:23 > 0:02:27wonder whether work is truly worth it.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31I wonder what they'll think when they see how the tax payers are living,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35the hours they have to work and the family time they give up.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36It's true.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Between them, our four claimants have been unemployed
0:02:43 > 0:02:44for nearly 30 years.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48So, before they start,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52we're going to see how prepared they are to enter the world of work.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01I don't know whether somebody coming in for an interview would be
0:03:01 > 0:03:03wearing a baseball cap.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- How you doing?- Looking like a million dollars. Come and sit down.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Very smart.- That's the way to dress for an interview, I think.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16When you left school, what did you really want to do?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19If I'm really honest, I hadn't got a clue.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- What qualifications did you take with you?- None.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- You're going into work...- Yeah. - ..over the next few days.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- How does that make you feel? - Very nervous.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Going back to work is going to be hard
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and I'm determined to prove I can do it.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40What are you most nervous about?
0:03:40 > 0:03:44I don't want to fail, you know? I want to do good in whatever I do.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47But it's a while since somebody's told you what to do, isn't it?
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Yes, well, if you don't include the wife.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Unlike the others, Luther doesn't have to look for work
0:03:56 > 0:03:59as he's been signed off due to ill health.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01I've obviously got some nerves,
0:04:01 > 0:04:06more nervous that my health will let me down than my head, you know?
0:04:06 > 0:04:10So you think you'll be willing, mentally, you're geared up for it?
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- Yeah, yeah, definitely. - But the old body might not be?- Yeah.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Now that we've met them all, I do worry that some of them
0:04:19 > 0:04:22will really struggle clambering back into that world of work.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27Some strike you as being keener to work than others do, don't they?
0:04:27 > 0:04:30There's pressure on your head, isn't it, if you've been out of work?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Everybody thinks you're a scrounger or the rest of it.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36You've lost touch with how to react with people,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38how to respond to authority,
0:04:38 > 0:04:43how to respond to the boss who says, "I'd like you to do that by 5:30."
0:04:43 > 0:04:45That hasn't happened to these people for years.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49The thought of it must make some of them, you know, run for cover again.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Ipswich, 6am.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02For the first time in years, the claimants are returning to work.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Not used to waking up this early. Working life, I guess.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Ah, baby.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Doing a full-time job for eight hours is going to be
0:05:14 > 0:05:15a learning curve.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Bit of the unknown, sort of thing.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Whether I'll last the distance, that sort of thing.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I've had four cups of coffee this morning.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Anxious, nervous, worried I can't do it.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30I'll give it 100% and, if I can't do it, I know I've tried.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Liam doesn't come across as, "I'm enthusiastic, I want to do this."
0:05:39 > 0:05:43I think he probably is. He's not able to project that.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46I'm with you, Margaret. I think Kelly...
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Maybe with a bit more guidance,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51she might be able to make something more of her life.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55I think the smiling Luther worries me.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Chris, I'd give him a job tomorrow.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02I'd give Liam a kick up the backside and tell him
0:06:02 > 0:06:05to start being a little bit more like a bloke.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- What's up? Are you tired? - Too early, man.
0:06:14 > 0:06:1729-year-old Liam left university two years ago
0:06:17 > 0:06:22and now expects a job worthy of his 2:1 degree in Media Studies.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23I want a career for myself.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- I don't want just little part-time jobs. I want a career.- OK.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31He'll be working alongside Stevie who took a job
0:06:31 > 0:06:35as a carer four years ago, because it was the only work she could find.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39You can never say that there is never any jobs going
0:06:39 > 0:06:40because there is always care jobs.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I don't think he's got any excuses, really.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45You should definitely be out there working.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Liam gets nearly £300 a month in Job-seeker's Allowance
0:06:48 > 0:06:51and lives rent-free with his grandfather,
0:06:51 > 0:06:56while Stevie earns £11 an hour, working up to seven days a week.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02- What would be your worse-case scenario?- Oh, man. I don't know.
0:07:02 > 0:07:09I'm not comfortable with the whole cleaning up the mess, the back end.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Even if it came out the front end,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13I wouldn't be happy cleaning up sick.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16So we're going to see Mary.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19She lives at home with her husband and her son.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21She'll be in a wheelchair when we get in.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25What we need to do is rota stand her onto a commode, give her
0:07:25 > 0:07:29time to use her commode, then obviously clean her up afterwards.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Then rota stand her back into her day chair.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34When you talk to the client, it's really important
0:07:34 > 0:07:36that you come down to their level.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Kneel down in front of her to talk to her
0:07:38 > 0:07:41because otherwise it's quite daunting leaning over the top.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Oh, my God. Do you know how nervous I am?
0:07:43 > 0:07:46You'll be absolutely fine, I promise you.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Ready? Are you wanting the blinds shut, Mary,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- or do you want them left open? - I don't really mind. I don't mind.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Your neighbour is cutting his grass. Shall we pull it down?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Just to give you a little bit of privacy.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Mary needs daily care after a stroke two years ago.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Are you ready for us now, Mary? Have you had enough time?- Yes, thank you.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Brilliant. I'll just pull these up. OK? Fine.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16You're weeing, Mary. Would you like to sit back down?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Right, OK, we'll give you a couple of seconds.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22OK, I'm just going to pull your knickers up now, Mary, OK?
0:08:22 > 0:08:23Yes, thank you.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26You've got Liam's strong arm on your back, haven't you?
0:08:26 > 0:08:27Supporting you, look.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32You just remove the commode slightly for me, Liam.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Yep? The grey pot pulls out. Be careful.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Make sure you've got hold of it properly.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Right, we go upstairs to empty it. How are you finding doing this?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47This is your worst nightmare, isn't it?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56So uncomfortable doing this.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01You can't just come into somebody else's house
0:09:01 > 0:09:02and help them out that way.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04I don't feel comfortable doing it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07No.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Is there anything else you'd like me to do for you while I'm here?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- No, thank you.- Right, we're just going to do your book, then, Mary,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17and then will be out of your hair. OK?
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- I think that was a bit of a waste of time, to be honest?- What, that call?
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Yes.- Why do you think that? That's really harsh.- It's not harsh, man.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Of course it is. That poor lady needs to use her commode.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- The husband could help her. - But look how old he is.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Do you think that is something he should be doing all the time?
0:09:39 > 0:09:41It gives him a rest. It's a lot of hard work for an old man to do.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- You've got to remember we're doing it as a two.- Yeah.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- When we're not there, he does it on his own and that's hard work.- Yeah.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49It is hard work.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Would you be able to hold her up
0:09:51 > 0:09:55and swap the chairs over behind her on your own?
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Even the little things go a long way for them.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06Right, this is a holiday home. It's got 15 bedrooms.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09It's also an early start for single mum, Kelly,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12who's doing her first shift in nearly two years,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14leaving her mum to look after the kids.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20She's working as a cleaner for Debbie.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23All the clients are important but this one,
0:10:23 > 0:10:24everything has to be spot-on.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Perfect every time.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Debbie is also a single mum, but she runs her own cleaning business
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and pays herself £1,300 a month.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Kelly is going to be working with us today, so, Stacy, I thought
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- if Kelly worked with you...- Yep.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44You could show her how to make the beds and things like that.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46I thought that would be great.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Some people last and some people don't.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I think, if a few things go wrong for Kelly today,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55she won't be here tomorrow. No way. Put money on it.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Have you made beds and that before? - Not like these, no.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Kelly believes that even a part-time job that fits around child care
0:11:05 > 0:11:07isn't worth it.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Jobs people say, "Oh, you'll be much better off." No.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15When they work it out, you're about £20 a week better off.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17I just think, why should I?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21When you tuck them over,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- you're not allowed to see any of the sheet hanging...- Right.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25..underneath the bed.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29It has to be pulled really tight, so there is no creases.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- Do you enjoy working?- Yes.
0:11:32 > 0:11:39I get £6.50 an hour, which I don't think is really that bad considering.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43It gives me that independence for myself and, obviously,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46because I used to be stuck at home all the time.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Were you out of work long? - Five years.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54I was working when I fell pregnant,
0:11:54 > 0:11:59then me and my partner decided that we both weren't going to work.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02But now he's in full-time school,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I thought I needed to get out and do something for myself
0:12:05 > 0:12:07rather than stuck in the house all the time.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Do you reckon that is one of the best things you've ever done?- Yeah.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Starting out work, yes.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Right, so here's the bed Kelly has made.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22No, this side seems to be all right but that side is not.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27Not in line with the sheet. There's quite a gap at the top.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29I'm going to get them to do this one again.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Sometimes, distraction with the chatting
0:12:31 > 0:12:33and they're not doing the job properly.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40So when you was in here, who did which side? Was you that side?
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- Oh, Stacey, that was you. Kelly, very well done.- Yes!
0:12:44 > 0:12:45It was me, look.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58One shift down for Kelly while single Dad, Luther,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02is on his way to start work at a local distribution warehouse.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05He's spent the last 20 years as a stay-at-home dad.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09The most important thing, if you're having children, is to raise them.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15If I had had the chances to work and do that, I would have done it.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Luther's paired with lorry driver, Tim.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23He and wife, Cheryl, both work full-time.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25I'm not taking it down again. No way.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28What do you think about people who have claimed benefits?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31The reality is, their benefit money could be as close
0:13:31 > 0:13:35to our annual income for the house and they get it for nothing.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38They're not giving anything back for the money that they take.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44I'll shout out the code and then you just write it down.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Tim works nights and looks after the children during the day.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Load 32, 320.
0:13:52 > 0:13:53To ease him into the world of work,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Luther's doing a couple of light shifts in the warehouse.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01He's signed off work due to a lung disease and hip problems.
0:14:01 > 0:14:0370025.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- Oh, my back. 70...- 391.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14But soon, all disability claimants will have to undergo new tests
0:14:14 > 0:14:18and Luther's concerned he may be found fit to work,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20forcing him to consider any job offered.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24I'm worried that they'll ask me to do something that I can't do and
0:14:24 > 0:14:28then I'm going to have to turn round and say, "Well, I can't do that."
0:14:28 > 0:14:32I hate saying I can't do something to someone.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33My back is sore.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37I've got to sit down for a minute while he's doing what he's doing.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39If I stand up for more than 15, 20 minutes,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41my lower back just kills me.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Oh, dear.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Disability is a really difficult issue, isn't it?
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Luther is not the only disabled person who's worried that he's going
0:14:57 > 0:15:01to be forced to work when these new tests come in and start to bite.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Oh, dear. It doesn't half get dusty in here, doesn't it?- They do, yeah.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I think you can see he's a bit out of breath, can't you?
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- He struggling a bit.- Isn't he? You can hear the breathing.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Also, bending down with the old legs.- It's not an ideal job, is it?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- Not really.- Nothing about it is suitable.- Nothing.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29What's giving you the most trouble? The breathing or the legs?
0:15:29 > 0:15:32If I stand any longer than 15 minutes,
0:15:32 > 0:15:36my lower back just is absolutely killing me. It's quite sore.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- So you have to have a break every so often?- Yeah.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41And those boxes were actually quite light, weren't they?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Yeah, they were very light, but it's the actual movement,
0:15:44 > 0:15:49up and down, up and down, repetitive movement on my body.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's just not very good, unfortunately.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55I suppose, Luther, that the harsh reality is...
0:15:56 > 0:16:02- ..circumstances might push you into this sort of job.- Without a doubt.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05I'm sure, at some point, someone will say,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08"There you are, you've got to do 20 hours."
0:16:08 > 0:16:14My reply will be, "Train me, help me and I'll be glad to do that."
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- I'll get him to do the easy ones first.- Break me in gently.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Kris hasn't done manual labour before either.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31He's on his first shift with central heating engineer, Simon.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32Screw the brackets to the wall.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37Obviously, that is what's going to keep the rad as level as possible.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Apart from some seasonal work,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42he's been unemployed for the last four years.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47And how many jobs would you say you apply for, on average?
0:16:47 > 0:16:50About 50 to 80 jobs a day is what I try to aim for.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52That is a lot of applications, isn't it?
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I just feel I'm just not getting anywhere, fast.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- Do you think you can do that now on your own?- Yeah, yeah. I'll have...
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- Yeah.- If you get any problems, just ask me, all right?- Fair enough.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15That goes on there.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22But plumbing isn't exactly second nature to Kris...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I can't remember what I've got to do next.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26I'm going to ask.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27With no experience,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Kris would be paid around £10,000 a year as a plumber's apprentice,
0:17:31 > 0:17:3550% less than his family receives in benefits.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43It's like being back at school again.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47I am tired, but I feel I haven't done really a lot,
0:17:47 > 0:17:49from their point of view.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51But I'm taking it.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56It is a case of, I'm just not used to doing hands-on work.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Simon's boss, Steve, wants to find out
0:18:00 > 0:18:02if Kris would even consider this sort of work.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04What sort of jobs are you actually applying for?
0:18:04 > 0:18:08The bulk of my skills and everything are office-based.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10I would like to go for office-based work,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14because I've worked and studied hard to be in the office,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17but I'm not just getting anywhere, so I've had to open up.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Say, for instance,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- would you take a job where you were actually worse off financially?- No.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Not at all? Not even a little bit of a drop?
0:18:24 > 0:18:29I've dropped my lifestyle as low as it'll go anyway and it's a case
0:18:29 > 0:18:33of, if I go any lower, I know I will struggle to pay my rent.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36So there's some jobs you can't take.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Can't go for, because I know I'm going to put my house at risk.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43I was quite long-term unemployed, going back some years
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and I found that, once you get in employment,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49once you actually start there on the job and you're doing something,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52you're meeting up with other people and the opportunities seem to...
0:18:52 > 0:18:53- Open up?- Yeah, they do.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55You don't know, really, the right thing to do
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- or the wrong thing to do.- Yeah.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Well, Margaret, I've been working I guess for the thick end
0:19:03 > 0:19:05of 50 years and what I can say with some authority,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08is that the world of work is not just about money,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10it's about a lot more...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12Self respect, to be able to look your old man in the eye,
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- do you know?- You're right, it's about pride in what you do, ambition,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19wanting to succeed, wanting to get on,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23and going to work gives you a sense of self confidence, doesn't it?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26You are somebody because of what you do in the workplace.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Midday.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Liam, this is Sue.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36On the other side of Ipswich,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Stevie and Liam are with their third client.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Right, do you want to glove and apron up?
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Are we having a change of clothes, Sue?- They're all ready.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46They're all ready for me.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Sue was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 30 years ago.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54For the last ten years, she's been confined to her bed.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- There you go, so how does that feel? - That's nice, actually.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- Is that quite soothing?- Mmm.- Right, do you want to roll Sue back?- Yeah.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04Yeah. Sorry.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- You're doing it well there. - Thank you.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Cos I don't feel panicky about it, so...- All right.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12That's good.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16I'm just trying to overcome the personal space
0:20:16 > 0:20:19and my feelings for the person, you know.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22I feel for the lady, because she's in that position,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25but she's open, as in, "Look, I'm like this.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28"There's nothing I can do, so let's just get on with it."
0:20:28 > 0:20:32So maybe I should try and overcome that attitude as well.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39I think this job is a job that you have to prove your dedication.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42If your heart's not in it, then you don't succeed.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47I've done three months solid before I got a day off.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52But obviously, it's not just about work for me. I've got a home life.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55I've got children that need me.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- Must be hard.- Hard is an understatement, but I do it.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03And I do it because I want to work.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10'They've been on the go for 10 hours without stopping.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- Hello!- Mum!
0:21:12 > 0:21:15'Finally, a chance to take a quick break.'
0:21:15 > 0:21:18You all right? Hello, darling. You all right?
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- Have you had a good day?- Yeah, it's been all right.- Kids been all right?
0:21:22 > 0:21:24They've had their moments as always.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Quite often they're in bed when I go to work,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31they're in bed when I come home.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34If they're at school, they're not around like they are today,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36cos they're still on holidays.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- So it's quite difficult.- Is it, does it not affect your marriage as well?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Erm...
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Not seeing each other? I mean...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Probably.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49But I also think it really makes that time we do spend together
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- really special, doesn't it? - Yeah, it does.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54And we do try to get as much time together as we can.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- CHILDREN YELL - Come here.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00You all right?
0:22:01 > 0:22:05So, Chelsea, how do you feel about your mum working so much?
0:22:05 > 0:22:10Well, I miss her so much and I like spending more time with Mum.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14That is something she asks me on a regular basis, isn't it?
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- To spend more time with me.- Would you like her to stop working so much?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Yes.- Yeah?- But what happens if Mummy stops working so much?
0:22:21 > 0:22:22We won't get any money.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29If my son told me to quit work, I'd quit work. Just for my child.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- I don't know how I'd do it, but... - And you'd happily claim benefits?
0:22:32 > 0:22:34I'd put family first.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39As much as I want to work, I think I want the cushy life where
0:22:39 > 0:22:42I work Monday to Friday, have every weekend with my son.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44But I think you're overworking.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Work comes before your family and your kids and it's just like...
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Nothing comes before my kids.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54My kids are my world, I would die for my children.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- Every...- On a part-time basis.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59CHILDREN LAUGH
0:22:59 > 0:23:03It sort of portrays us to be bad parents when actually, to me,
0:23:03 > 0:23:05we're being really good parents
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- because we're providing for our kids like we should.- Yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14It's a little hurtful, but then he's entitled to his opinion, isn't he?
0:23:15 > 0:23:18'Stevie won't see her children awake again
0:23:18 > 0:23:20'until the same time tomorrow...'
0:23:20 > 0:23:22I love you. Goodnight, darling.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'..as she still has to make return visits to her clients.'
0:23:31 > 0:23:35'Over at a local school, Debbie has plenty of work for Kelly to do.'
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Right, here we are. Put your gloves on, have you got 'em?
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- Yeah, they're in me pocket. - Get them on.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- OK, I'll let you get on, then.- All right, then, I'll see you in a bit.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Cor, that stuff stinks!
0:23:52 > 0:23:53I'm not used to wearing gloves
0:23:53 > 0:23:57and that's, oh, it's horrible, feels horrible.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59That's the sinks done.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07All right, I think I'm done.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Just need to get a tissue and just wipe the taps,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15so there's no water marks on them. Right.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- Did you wipe over the sanitary bins? - No, that's one thing I didn't do.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22No, OK. If you can just wipe over the sanitary bins in the next three,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25that'd be lovely. Lovely jubbly.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- Hello, Debbie.- Oh, hello there. Hiya.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- How are you?- All right, thank you very much.- Nice to see you again.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Who's making that noise? - Well, it's our Kelly.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42How are you getting on down there, Kelly?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44I'm getting on all right, thank you.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Lots of lavatories to clean, that's a hard old task.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48Someone's got to do it, though.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53What time did you start working this morning, Kelly?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- I got up at 20 to five this morning. - 20 to five?!- Did you?
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- Yes, 20 to five.- Wow.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01And I was out of the house by half past five, ready for work,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- to get to Debbie's for six o'clock. - That's pretty early.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- So have you worked as hard as this ever before?- Not all day.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10What do you feel like now?
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I will admit I'm tired now. I'm ready to drop, I think.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18I don't think, er, if I was to take a cleaning job,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21an early morning one would be suitable for me.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- You don't think it would be? - No, because of childcare,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26half past five in the morning would be a no-no.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Cos your mum can't come round at that time.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30No, I think that's a bit unfair for her.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35I'd quite happily do a late afternoon, early evening one.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38I can understand that.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Kelly's beginning to look as though she's getting serious about this,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and initially, frankly, I didn't believe a word of it.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50I know that childcare can put a limit on the sort of number and type
0:25:50 > 0:25:54of shifts that you can do, but it doesn't put an absolute stop to it.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Look at Debbie. Single mum.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02Do you think childcare would get in her way of working? Not a chance.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10'5pm.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14'Tim's wife Cheryl has just finished her shift as a medical secretary.'
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- All right!- Yeah. Do you want a coffee?
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- Oh, yes, please.- You all right?
0:26:20 > 0:26:25'But Tim's working day as a lorry driver has yet to begin.'
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- You all right, then? - Yeah, not too bad.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30'Tonight, single dad Luther will be joining Tim
0:26:30 > 0:26:32'on his 12-hour night shift.'
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- Hello!- Hiya, Tim.- How you doing? - You all right?- Not too bad. Welcome.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Come in. - Lovely, brilliant, thank you.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41Oh, cheers. Nice one.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43So is this your usual routine, then?
0:26:43 > 0:26:49Yes, well, when it's school times, I leave here about three o'clock
0:26:49 > 0:26:52to go and pick the children up for 3:30.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Come home, little bit of a tidy up, start the dinner,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00get everything ready for the changeover with Cheryl,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03so she has an easier time in the evening, if most of it's all done.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Did you? - Oh, yeah, I've done two more.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09How long will you spend with her this evening
0:27:09 > 0:27:11before we have to go off and do this shift?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14She's normally home about 20 past four,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17so we get about an hour and 15 minutes
0:27:17 > 0:27:20to do the talking, chatting,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22find out what's gone on in her day.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It's not a lot, is it, to be honest?
0:27:28 > 0:27:32It's a grab-it-while-you-can sort of scenario at the moment.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37Grab a quick bite to eat, hello, catch up on all the news and goodbye.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43That must be quite a sacrifice for them. Yeah, definitely.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45There's no time at all, realistically,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47by the time I get in and he goes.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Tim worked out it's about nine and a bit hours a week
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- you get to see each other.- Really?
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Wow, that's nothing at all, is it, really?
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- It's not even a day's shift, is it?- No, no.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- You've just done nearly nine hours of work.- Wow.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04CHILD: Are you going to work tomorrow?
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Time for Luther to return to the warehouse,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11this time accompanying Tim on the driving shift.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- See you later. Love you lots. Take care.- We'll see you later, kids.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16See you later.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27This is my vehicle for tonight. This is my load and my trailer.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Height of a double decker bus. 16.1 feet.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39In the winter...
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Something like that, I wouldn't be able to do, to be honest.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44My legs and I wouldn't be able to strain like that
0:28:44 > 0:28:45to pull that across, so...
0:28:48 > 0:28:52There is limitations to what I can and can't do, you know.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56His body is a lot quicker than mine. Mine's a lot more slower, you see.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01I haven't stepped on a ladder for about four years.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04So if you see me fall off once, catch me.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06That's it.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- That was all right.- Right, sorted.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22I think the hours will get to him quite drastically.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25If he's not used to it and he likes his sleep,
0:29:25 > 0:29:29I think he'll struggle on the amount of hours we'll be doing tonight.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Hello there, Captain. - Hello! Welcome aboard.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38OK?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40We're moving under our own steam.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43We're on the road.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45MUSIC: "On The Road Again" by Canned Heat
0:29:53 > 0:29:56'Stevie and Liam are making their final stop of the day,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58'a return visit to Sue.'
0:30:00 > 0:30:02How do you feel about Liam doing your shower?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Oh, he'll be fine, I'm sure.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07I'm not worried at all.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- Have you ever considered going into caring professionally?- I haven't.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14I doubted it, to be honest.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19I didn't think I had what it took to do this type of work, so...
0:30:19 > 0:30:22He tends to turn his nose down at quite a few jobs, unfortunately.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25They were a little bit beneath you, weren't they, at the time?
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Not beneath me!- Not what you was looking for, though.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30Not my type, not my field of work.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33What you trained for, what you'd hoped to get.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37It's like, basically, I've got a degree, so I shouldn't have to
0:30:37 > 0:30:42work in a factory after working so hard to get a degree.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44I can understand it, but...
0:30:44 > 0:30:47But, I was going to say, do you think it's good
0:30:47 > 0:30:51that Liam's choosing to be on benefits rather than do any job?
0:30:51 > 0:30:54No, I think you've got to go for any job.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Cos you have to pay off the loans.- As well as a factory?
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- What's wrong with a factory? - This is my argument with him.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03It's what put the roof over our head.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07All right.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09But do you see where I'm coming from, though, Sue?
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- No, sorry.- Oh, dear.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16I just think it's good to work, whatever you're doing.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I understand you wouldn't want to work in a factory.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21I can see that,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24because you're a caring person, you probably wouldn't like...
0:31:24 > 0:31:28But does that give Liam the right to stay on benefits
0:31:28 > 0:31:30rather than work in a factory,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- regardless if he wants to do it or not?- No.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35I think you should work.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37If the jobs are there, he should take them, shouldn't he?
0:31:37 > 0:31:40You should take them.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43It's quite horrid not to be able to work.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45I didn't like it.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- But you didn't get the choice, did you?- I didn't get the choice.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Your body's working, mine's not.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54That's the reality of it, isn't it, unfortunately?
0:31:54 > 0:31:58If there's jobs out there and you're choosing not to do them,
0:31:58 > 0:32:01then you're choosing to go on benefits, aren't you?
0:32:03 > 0:32:04True.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06She got me there, didn't she, Sue?
0:32:08 > 0:32:11It's the end of the working day for Kris.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- Hey, baby.- Hello, beautiful. - You all right?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20You've got a big smile on your face.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23That's the biggest change I can see so far.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27Bloody hard work, shifting heavy radiators around.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29But I loved every moment of it.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32You look good, you look like you've got a bounce in your step.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Yeah, yeah, definitely.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37It does... Actually going out and getting my hands dirty,
0:32:37 > 0:32:39definitely makes you feel good.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Kris seems to be getting a lot out of his return to work,
0:32:45 > 0:32:47but is there a realistic chance of him
0:32:47 > 0:32:51or any of Britain's 2½ million unemployed getting a job?
0:32:53 > 0:32:56'To find out, we've come to meet Dave Simmonds,
0:32:56 > 0:32:58'Chief Executive of Inclusion,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02'an organisation that works to improve employment opportunities.'
0:33:02 > 0:33:07Nationally, there are five people chasing every vacancy,
0:33:07 > 0:33:11but there are people in work who want to change jobs,
0:33:11 > 0:33:15so they're also competing for those vacancies, as well.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Actually, a recent survey has shown that, nationally,
0:33:18 > 0:33:22as soon as you look at the low end of the labour market,
0:33:22 > 0:33:29or entry-level jobs, there can be up to 45 people chasing every job
0:33:29 > 0:33:33which requires low qualifications.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36That is very, very competitive.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39What help is there for people to retrain?
0:33:39 > 0:33:41We've met a chap called Kris,
0:33:41 > 0:33:45he's now had a little bit of experience in the plumbing business
0:33:45 > 0:33:48but he's got no qualifications, he doesn't know the trade.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50If he's on JSA, then, yes,
0:33:50 > 0:33:56the fees at your local college, they will be waived.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59But he still has to be actively seeking work,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02which may interrupt his course.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08So, all the time, there is a pressure on unemployed people
0:34:08 > 0:34:11to take the job rather than retrain.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Surely the effort should be on creating jobs
0:34:17 > 0:34:19in those areas of high unemployment.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Let's create jobs, and, once you create them,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24there are jobs for people to go to.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Cutting benefits to try and force people back to work
0:34:28 > 0:34:31will only work if there are jobs for them to do if they're forced.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35But only 20% of them are ever going to get jobs unless we create more.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39That's the real issue. All of this is just tinkering about with the edges.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41And satisfying a public hunger for, you know,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44"Cutting these benefit people, scroungers, and skivers.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46"We are strivers."
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Give them jobs, and they'll flock to them. No jobs, how can they?
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Right, all come in. Mind the doggy-poos don't get out.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59Hello, darling!
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Debbie's taking Kelly to her house for a home-cooked meal
0:35:03 > 0:35:06made by her 18-year-old daughter, Chelsea.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- This is another perk to my job. - What's that?
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Every night, Chelsea cooks dinner.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13- That's her kitchen, is it? - That's her kitchen,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and I'm not going to argue, not one little bit.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18It's nice to sit down, isn't it?
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Sometimes, when you're mum and dad,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24you have to take every opportunity you can to earn money
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- cos you never know what's around the corner.- Yeah.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Because I was worried about what tomorrow might bring,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31I just knew I had to keep going.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36Do you ever think that your mum put work before you and your brother?
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Sometimes, but now she's more lenient.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Like, she'll take, if it's my birthday or a special occasion,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44she'll take it off,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48but she'll always be working, even if she's on holiday.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50There is a stop button,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54but, between Monday and Friday, the business own me.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I dedicate my time to that business.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Someone rang me up six o'clock on a Thursday night and said,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01"Can you come round tonight, eight o'clock?"
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Even if that meant saying to Chelsea, "Oh, I'm not going to be home till later,"
0:36:05 > 0:36:07she's cooked a special dinner,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10I'll still let her down and go and price the job.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13And how does that make you feel?
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Upset, sometimes, but...
0:36:15 > 0:36:21But, in my little head, I was doing it all to build you lot a future.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24If my child, or my children, ever came to me
0:36:24 > 0:36:28and just said what you said, I...
0:36:29 > 0:36:32I don't know if I could be like you.
0:36:32 > 0:36:38You obviously know that they feel like that. I think I'd be a wreck.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43Like I'd really upset my kids because I've always worked, I've always...
0:36:43 > 0:36:48As the kids got older, I wanted more for myself and them.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53I wasn't happy with just working a few hours a week, minimum wage.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57I wasn't happy with that. I wanted better.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04'After the longest working day of her life...'
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- I'll see you in the morning. - '..Kelly's going home.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10'But Debbie still has work to do.'
0:37:13 > 0:37:15'It's half nine, and Debbie's still working.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17'She's now working on the computer.'
0:37:17 > 0:37:19She doesn't seem to stop.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Whereas me, I stopped,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24and I'm going to go home and chill out, and not carry on working.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27I think that's the difference between me and her.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31'Yeah. But, no, I couldn't work this late.'
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- Do you want any left on? - No, I've got the one I need.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39'Liam is also nearly done for the day.'
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Well, you take care, Sue.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Sleep tight, and we'll see you tomorrow.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- It's been lovely meeting you. - You too, Sue.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- You're going to be a great carer. - I hope so, too.- You're a natural.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Have a good night's sleep, yeah? - Thank you.- Night, Sue.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56'After 14 hours, his shift with Stevie is finally over.'
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Do you not think now is the time to start doing these jobs
0:38:01 > 0:38:03that you don't think you can do?
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Cos, actually, you've proven yourself wrong by enjoying this work.
0:38:06 > 0:38:11You might prove yourself wrong by enjoying other types of work.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12True.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16My only negative thought about how you're doing
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- is you're still lacking that confidence.- Mmm.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23You need to just believe in yourself,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26because, trust me, you've got it, you've got the ability to do it.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28You just have to believe.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Other than that, I can't fault you in any way.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33You're doing really well.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Thank you.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Tim and Luther are halfway to their destination,
0:38:44 > 0:38:48but their shift won't be over for another eight hours.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52I thought a lorry driver earned about 20 quid an hour, you know?
0:38:52 > 0:38:54They might have done if they were hazardous trained.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58My friend's trained to carry hazardous,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- and he's on about seven quid an hour.- Blimey.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03It's outrageous.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05It's not good at all.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08I'm on more than that because of night rate,
0:39:08 > 0:39:10and then my overtime is slightly higher,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13but it's not a great deal.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- My wife is on more money than I am, and she does days.- Yeah.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19It is amazing, Tim, actually.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22You have to be such a solid couple
0:39:22 > 0:39:25to just see each other for nine hours, you know?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28You can't be intimate, you know?
0:39:28 > 0:39:32It's a hug and a kiss. There's no "me and my wife" time.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34No, that's right.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39It suits us for our children's needs, and our work needs.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41We both want to work full-time,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44we don't want to give up full-time jobs,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48and this just is a means, a means to an end.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Yeah, that's right.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58It's midnight, and they've arrived at the transport depot.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02While the truck's unloaded, time for tea.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- You're coping, aren't you?- Yeah, it's all right.- Can have my job.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09There you go, there's on offer.
0:40:09 > 0:40:15Is this an avenue that you'd pursue, to start from scratch?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18I've never driven anything before, other than a bike.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23I suppose if I start with a pump truck...work my way up!
0:40:23 > 0:40:24That's one way of doing it.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27It may be worth, like you say, popping into the Job Centre
0:40:27 > 0:40:32and asking them what available training courses they've got.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35It gives you a different variety. But yeah, it comes with practice
0:40:35 > 0:40:39and you gain experience the more you do it.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42But yeah, I mean... I love driving the truck.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44I can see all of you must love doing what you do.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- Boys and their toys, isn't it? Boys and their toys.- Yeah, exactly. Well, that's it, yeah.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54It's a quite big change, because when I first started this project,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I didn't see a lot of light at the end of the tunnel
0:40:57 > 0:41:00because I had been doing what I was doing for so long.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05After that many years, you do, your mindset is completely
0:41:05 > 0:41:08focused on what you've been, you know, what you're doing.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13To see other guys working and things like that, you think, you know,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17perhaps I could do that. Perhaps I could have a bit of that, you know.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34It's 6am in Ipswich.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Stevie's on her way to pick up Liam...
0:41:38 > 0:41:40PHONE BEEPS
0:41:40 > 0:41:41..when she gets a message.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Liam's just text me to say that he's not coming,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51he doesn't want me to pick up.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54He's decided that he doesn't want to do this any more.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57It's unacceptable. Totally acceptable.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04I am shocked that he's done it. I'm really shocked.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09Because he did do so well and there's so much potential with him.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14He's let himself down. He's let me down, he's let the clients down and he's let himself down.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20I can't do the other two calls on my own.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Are you all right to pick them up for me, please?
0:42:23 > 0:42:26I am going to pop in and see Mary and Sue,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29just to explain why Liam hasn't turned up.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33It has a knock-on effect on you guys, doesn't it,
0:42:33 > 0:42:37because obviously I can't provide the care I need to to you.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39No, that's right, that's right.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42I'm not impressed, no.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46No. Does it make you feel different of him as what you felt yesterday afternoon?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48I feel really angry now, actually.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Really angry.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- I put myself out...- Mm.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55..for him.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- That's a shame.- I find that really quite distressing.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Oh, Sue, don't get upset!
0:43:01 > 0:43:06Oh, sorry! I just wish he could see you like this, I really do.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09I don't think he realises the consequences
0:43:09 > 0:43:11of what he's done this morning.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12It's just so unfair.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19But Liam is blissfully unaware of the upset he's caused.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Yeah, woke up this morning
0:43:23 > 0:43:27and just didn't feel I could get up at six o'clock again.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31That was way too early to do that long shift.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34By the time I went to bed last night, it was like 11 o'clock.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37That was a killer, so couldn't do that.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40That was a no-no.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43I didn't expect like a 14-hour day yesterday,
0:43:43 > 0:43:47so that was a killer for me.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50So to imagine how she does four or five days straight,
0:43:50 > 0:43:52that's too much, man.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00Kelly has reported for duty - to clean some more toilets.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06I'm just going to potter about today and do my own little job
0:44:06 > 0:44:12she's asked me to do, and hopefully that'll be good enough for her.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16You know, if I've done something wrong, I expect her to tell me
0:44:16 > 0:44:20and take it with a pinch of salt, really,
0:44:20 > 0:44:23and I'll know what to do next time.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27But hopefully, there won't be any need for anything wrong.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37Right, there's a cobweb behind the door. I think that's maybe one that you missed.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Always do behind the door, because that's where the dust collects.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44See, when you walk in, you only see this,
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- but when you're on the toilet, you see that.- Yeah.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50I mean, attention to detail is really important.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- Did you wash the toilet brush holder?- No, I didn't.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55No, you didn't, right.
0:44:55 > 0:45:00- Did you wipe the pipes?- No, I didn't, no.- No. Can I ask why you didn't?
0:45:00 > 0:45:05- I didn't think about it. - No? You know, if you're going to clean it, clean it.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08It's not just about the sink, the toilet, it's about everything.
0:45:13 > 0:45:18I think the trouble is everybody has got their own way of doing stuff.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22I mean, I haven't worked for two-and-a-half years.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26I didn't realise how hard cleaning would be.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33'I mean, she hasn't really done any of what I call hard work.'
0:45:33 > 0:45:37I call difficult cleaning when you've got to scrub, you know,
0:45:37 > 0:45:40grease off an oven and stuff like that.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43I think I have given her a relatively easy job today
0:45:43 > 0:45:45and she's not coped that well.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55If I didn't have to clean again, I would be happy.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58As in, work and clean. Cos I just...
0:45:58 > 0:46:01I thought I would get back into it quite easily.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05I think you probably lost heart a little bit. I do, honestly.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- Probably, yeah. - I think you've done this now
0:46:09 > 0:46:13and I think that's made your mind up that it's not what you want to do.
0:46:13 > 0:46:18The thing is, has that put you off work entirely?
0:46:18 > 0:46:22No, no. This has given me a taste of what my life could be.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25- Do think this has been positive for you, then?- Yeah, I do.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29Just by working, I proved I can do it. I know I can do it.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- Did you think you couldn't do it, then, before?- Yeah.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36I think, after this whole experience, maybe give it a couple weeks,
0:46:36 > 0:46:38you'll start trying for jobs.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41But if you don't succeed, I don't think that's going to be
0:46:41 > 0:46:43try and try again. I think you'll probably...
0:46:43 > 0:46:47- You think I'll just give up?- Yeah, I do a little bit.- That's fair enough.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56Kris, who's never considered a manual job...
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- That's better!- ..is getting into the swing of things.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05You don't forget what it's like to work.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09But, when you do, it doesn't half feel good.
0:47:11 > 0:47:15Simon takes home around £19,000 a year.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18That's less than Kris's family gets from the state.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23You work really hard for your money.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26And you don't have, really, that much disposable income.
0:47:26 > 0:47:31Knowing people receiving benefits can get just as much money,
0:47:31 > 0:47:33do you think it's really worth it?
0:47:33 > 0:47:35For me, it's worth it.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37The sense of pride that it gives me,
0:47:37 > 0:47:42the role model I feel I am being for my children, and supporting
0:47:42 > 0:47:45my family, that's the most important thing in the world to me.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Nothing else really matters, to be honest with you, you know.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52I don't want to be on benefits and I bet no-one else wants to be on benefits.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56It's opportunities like this that just open and you step out the box.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59You think, like, what are the ups and downs
0:47:59 > 0:48:02for getting a job that doesn't pay that much?
0:48:02 > 0:48:05I know I'll get some benefits,
0:48:05 > 0:48:09but it's a case of looking into career moves and different areas.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13But you sit there and think, "Well, why didn't I think about this before?"
0:48:13 > 0:48:16You go, "slap". Moment of truth.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22- Spot on.- Onto the next one.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25Carry on like that, you're doing well.
0:48:27 > 0:48:28Cool.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33From seeing him at the beginning to seeing him now, he does
0:48:33 > 0:48:36definitely seem a lot more confident.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38OK, thank you.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41There has been a bit of realisation to the fact that...
0:48:43 > 0:48:47..he hasn't... he's got other options, you know?
0:48:49 > 0:48:52Liam may not have turned up for work this morning,
0:48:52 > 0:48:54but he has agreed to meet Stevie.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59- HE KNOCKS ON DOOR - Hello, Miss Stevie.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03- Hello.- How are you? - What happened to you?
0:49:03 > 0:49:05Man, it killed me.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07My normal working hours.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09How do think the clients felt?
0:49:10 > 0:49:13You helped me yesterday, you know I can't do them on my own.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15What do you think happened to them?
0:49:18 > 0:49:21- I know.- I can't do it, can I?
0:49:21 > 0:49:23Not on your own, no.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27Did you not think of that when you decided not to show up this morning?
0:49:28 > 0:49:31I don't know. What do you want me to say to that?
0:49:31 > 0:49:34"Sorry" would be nice!
0:49:34 > 0:49:36- You know... - I'm really sorry about it.
0:49:36 > 0:49:41- You need to think about the consequences of your actions, don't you?- Yeah.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44It's all good and well saying sorry.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48- You told me you was going to turn up, and you didn't.- I didn't realise.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50I didn't look at the bigger picture, like I said,
0:49:50 > 0:49:54and I didn't realise it would be that bad.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59I'm just thinking of Sue there in that bed now, and it's like,
0:49:59 > 0:50:03- bloody hell, it's horrible, man. - I went to see her this morning.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06You know, she was looking forward to chatting with you.
0:50:06 > 0:50:11When I went in and said to her that you decided you couldn't do it today,
0:50:11 > 0:50:13she was really disappointed.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Oh, dear.
0:50:17 > 0:50:23I do feel bad about today and not turning up with Stevie.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27As she said, it's the people that suffered there.
0:50:27 > 0:50:33And she needed me to help her work, but she didn't NEED ME need me.
0:50:33 > 0:50:39The people who were in that bed, or the people in the houses, they needed me.
0:50:39 > 0:50:44And to hear that Sue had conversations ready for me
0:50:44 > 0:50:47because she was excited to see me and that
0:50:47 > 0:50:50was a bit of a heart-touching moment.
0:50:50 > 0:50:54Bloody hell, Liam, maybe I should have took responsibility.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05'Our benefit claimants have had a taste of the world of work,
0:51:05 > 0:51:08'some of them for the first time in years.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11'But has the experience changed any of their attitudes to work?
0:51:11 > 0:51:14'And ultimately, do they think work is worth it?'
0:51:14 > 0:51:17- How are you?- Not bad. - Good to see you again.- Yourself?
0:51:17 > 0:51:20- Hello, Luther. Hi, Tim. TIM:- Hi, how are you doing?- Fine.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22Oh, dear. How was it?
0:51:22 > 0:51:25Brilliant. It was a real good adventure, wasn't it?
0:51:25 > 0:51:27Yeah, had a really good time.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31So, Luther, the time you spent in Tim's world of work,
0:51:31 > 0:51:33what have you learned?
0:51:33 > 0:51:36Going on the wagon with Tim has really opened my eyes
0:51:36 > 0:51:41and shown me that, you know, hard work, the value of work...
0:51:41 > 0:51:44I know it's long hours and he doesn't see the kids much, but it's
0:51:44 > 0:51:49a means to an end, and it's working for the family and it's really...
0:51:49 > 0:51:52You know, it's opened my eyes to it, really.
0:51:52 > 0:51:57I haven't felt like that, and it's energised me to get up and do something for myself.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00Has that made you reassess what you get on benefits?
0:52:00 > 0:52:03I didn't know what a job is worth, but I certainly think
0:52:03 > 0:52:07both of their jobs is worth more than what they get, to be honest.
0:52:07 > 0:52:12I didn't realise the price of things was so high and wages were so low in this country.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15- I really didn't. - But Luther, that's the market.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18That's the reality of Tim and Cheryl's working life.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20That's reality, that's the market.
0:52:20 > 0:52:24I think you've been living in a bit of a parallel universe.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26A bit of a dream world, maybe.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Well, Kris, has spending time with Simon
0:52:34 > 0:52:36changed the way you look at the world of work?
0:52:36 > 0:52:40I loved every moment with it. Simon is a great bloke to work with.
0:52:40 > 0:52:41I love getting my hands dirty,
0:52:41 > 0:52:46and I found my self-worth again, basically.
0:52:46 > 0:52:51It just felt fantastic, and it's just makes you more keen,
0:52:51 > 0:52:55or class it as a bit of a kick up the backside to say,
0:52:55 > 0:52:58"This is what you could have."
0:52:58 > 0:53:00And I want it.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03So, if a job offer did come floating through your letterbox
0:53:03 > 0:53:07from Simon's company and it was for less money, less than the
0:53:07 > 0:53:1018,000 a year that you're getting on benefits, would you go for it?
0:53:10 > 0:53:15Yeah. As long as I can make sure that all the bills and that...
0:53:15 > 0:53:19my family have a roof over their head, of course I'll take it.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21Would you give him a job?
0:53:21 > 0:53:25Yeah. If it was in my control, I'd offer him a job, definitely.
0:53:25 > 0:53:29I think he's got the right ethic and attitude towards work.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31Just need someone to give him that chance.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36Now, Kris, I've always thought he's a worker,
0:53:36 > 0:53:38but he's struggling with himself about whether he would take
0:53:38 > 0:53:41a job that pays less than the benefits he's currently getting.
0:53:41 > 0:53:47He says he would. But when push comes to shove, well, let's see.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53Working 12 hours for, say, four or five days a week,
0:53:53 > 0:53:55I would find it hard.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58If I was to get a little three hour cleaning job, it wouldn't be...
0:53:58 > 0:54:00you know, I'd be all right with that.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04So do you think that's a possibility now? Maybe five afternoons a week?
0:54:04 > 0:54:10Yeah! I'm willing to take a job that I'm...
0:54:10 > 0:54:14Not 16 hours, but a lower job, a lower hour job to get less money,
0:54:14 > 0:54:18just to get me foot in the door and, you know, who knows?
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- I've learnt that from Debbie, you know?- That's a change, isn't it?
0:54:21 > 0:54:23Kelly needs guiding in the right direction.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26I mean, luckily, Kelly has stumbled across me,
0:54:26 > 0:54:27so I can help her.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30Hopefully, she'll keep this positive thinking
0:54:30 > 0:54:32and that will lead her to a job.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34If you had a job going at your cleaning firm,
0:54:34 > 0:54:36would you offer it to Kelly?
0:54:36 > 0:54:38I don't think Kelly's quite there.
0:54:38 > 0:54:44You know, maybe another month's time if she is moving forward and
0:54:44 > 0:54:50showing me that this is absolutely what she wants to do, then possibly.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53Is the fear, though, that as soon as Debbie withdraws,
0:54:53 > 0:54:56that you're going to slide back to where you work?
0:54:56 > 0:55:00That's the danger, but I'm adamant that I'm not going to let it happen.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03I'm determined to prove, if not myself,
0:55:03 > 0:55:05Debbie wrong that I can do it.
0:55:06 > 0:55:11Did Liam turned up promptly and on time when he was working with you?
0:55:12 > 0:55:14He did the first day.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16He was there first day.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18Second day, no. Unfortunately not.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21- He didn't turn up? - No.- Not at all?- No.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23Cos you can't just play with a job, can you?
0:55:23 > 0:55:26You've got to turn up every day. You can't just turn up when you want to.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29- Not in this sort of job, particularly.- No.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31But I think it sort of sunk in a little bit to you
0:55:31 > 0:55:33when I told you how the clients reacted.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37- It's all about them more than us...- Someone lying there in bed waiting to be looked after
0:55:37 > 0:55:39and nobody turns up?
0:55:39 > 0:55:42Yeah. I think you sort of realise that now, don't you?
0:55:42 > 0:55:44It's one of those things.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48Regardless of how you feel, they've got to come first.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52So is being a carer a job that you would consider?
0:55:52 > 0:55:55- Yes, definitely. - And you wouldn't have before?- No.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58I thought too much into it about wiping people's bums
0:55:58 > 0:56:01and that kind of work, but it's a lot bigger than that now.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04Being out of work kind of brought me down,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06so when I worked that one day with Stevie and how much praise
0:56:06 > 0:56:09I got, it was kind of like, "I can do this."
0:56:09 > 0:56:11So it brought me up a lot.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13- Somebody wanted you?- Yeah.
0:56:13 > 0:56:18Somebody liked what I was doing, and had faith in me.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21So, Liam, what you're saying also is it's not just about money,
0:56:21 > 0:56:24it's about what you get out of that work.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Stevie had probably more faith in me than I did in myself, really.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30So, really made me hold my head up high,
0:56:30 > 0:56:33cos I can do it and I didn't think I could.
0:56:33 > 0:56:34What about your degree?
0:56:34 > 0:56:37I've done so much hard work and blood, sweat and tears
0:56:37 > 0:56:40for that degree, I just don't want it to go to waste, you know?
0:56:40 > 0:56:42But we'll see how it goes.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45I think right now it's definitely a career path in caring for me.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47Unfortunately, I hear it too often.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51People on benefits come into this line of work, cos it is
0:56:51 > 0:56:54easy to come into, and they're all really up for it and keen.
0:56:54 > 0:56:58Give them a week, two weeks, they tend to sort of back away.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00So let's see what Liam can do.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11Well, fundamentally, these are four claimants
0:57:11 > 0:57:13do all seem to want to work, don't they?
0:57:13 > 0:57:14But there's a difficulty.
0:57:14 > 0:57:18You can't just expect people to fill in applications on a website
0:57:18 > 0:57:20and get jobs. They need support.
0:57:20 > 0:57:24They need to be given the opportunity to meet people face-to-face
0:57:24 > 0:57:27and they need training to give them the self confidence to handle
0:57:27 > 0:57:30those interviews, so they can get themselves out of the benefits trap.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34Clearly, there is an argument, perhaps, for cutting benefits,
0:57:34 > 0:57:38cutting benefits as long as there's the proper support for people
0:57:38 > 0:57:40when they're out there looking for work.
0:57:40 > 0:57:43Let's face it, nationally, five people chasing every job.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46But, perhaps the most crucial thing, Margaret,
0:57:46 > 0:57:47is that we don't punish people.
0:57:47 > 0:57:5245 people looking for every low skilled job.
0:57:52 > 0:57:53What are the chances?
0:57:53 > 0:57:56What do we do? Drive them into poverty just to save money?
0:57:56 > 0:57:58Just to save a few quid? No.
0:58:02 > 0:58:07Since filming, Kelly has started work experience in a furniture shop.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10Kris is due to get an interview at Simon's company
0:58:10 > 0:58:12and is hoping to be working there soon.
0:58:12 > 0:58:18Luther's applying to do a degree and looking for volunteer work.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22And Liam has started working with Stevie as a carer.
0:58:28 > 0:58:30Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd